Acts 23:32

On the morrow they left the horsemen to go with him, and returned to the castle:

{G1161} On the morrow {G1887} they left {G1439} the horsemen {G2460} to go {G4198} with {G4862} him {G846}, and returned {G5290} to {G1519} the castle {G3925}:

then returned to the barracks after leaving the cavalry to go on with him.

The next day they returned to the barracks and let the horsemen go on with him.

But on the morrow they left the horsemen to go with him, and returned to the castle:

Commentary

Context

Acts 23:32 is a brief but significant transitional verse in the account of the Apostle Paul's journey under Roman custody. Following a Jewish plot to assassinate him in Jerusalem, the Roman commander Claudius Lysias had dispatched a large escort force—including 200 soldiers, 70 horsemen, and 200 spearmen—to safely transport Paul to Caesarea, where he would appear before Governor Felix. This verse details the point at which the main infantry contingent returned to the Fortress Antonia (the "castle") in Jerusalem, leaving only the horsemen to continue the journey with Paul to Antipatris and then to Caesarea. It marks the end of the immediate danger in Jerusalem and the commencement of Paul's long legal process that would eventually lead him to Rome.

Key Themes

  • Divine Providence and Protection: The strategic decision to reduce the escort after reaching a safer distance highlights God's protective hand over Paul. The Roman authorities, unknowingly, played a role in preserving Paul for his ultimate mission, demonstrating how God can use secular powers to accomplish His will.
  • Roman Efficiency and Authority: This verse underscores the Roman military's organized and disciplined approach. Once Paul was safely out of the immediate danger zone near Jerusalem, the bulk of the forces could return, showcasing their logistical efficiency and their commitment to protecting a Roman citizen.
  • Transition and Progression: The departure of the infantry signifies a key moment in Paul's narrative—moving him further away from the intense hostility in Jerusalem and closer to the seat of Roman power in Caesarea, which was a necessary step in his journey towards Rome.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV's use of "castle" refers to the Roman military barracks or fortress in Jerusalem, specifically the Fortress Antonia, which was adjacent to the Temple mount. In the original Greek, the term is parembole (παρεμβολή), which can mean a military camp, barracks, or fortress. This word accurately describes the strong Roman garrison from which Paul was dispatched and to which the soldiers returned.

Practical Application

Acts 23:32, though concise, offers a quiet reassurance of God's oversight. For believers today, it serves as a reminder that God orchestrates events, even through seemingly mundane or secular actions, to fulfill His purposes. Just as Paul was led through various stages of his journey, we can trust that God guides our steps, providing protection and resources as needed for the path He has laid out for us. It encourages us to have faith in God's plan, even when circumstances are uncertain or dangerous, knowing that He is faithful to complete the good work He begins in us.

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Cross-References

  • Acts 23:10 (2 votes)

    And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring [him] into the castle.

  • Acts 23:23 (2 votes)

    And he called unto [him] two centurions, saying, Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea, and horsemen threescore and ten, and spearmen two hundred, at the third hour of the night;